[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3913-H3914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JENNY MEARKLE

  (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude and 
respect that I rise to recognize Jenny Mearkle, a valued colleague and 
friend, who will be retiring at the end of June after more than 21 
years of service to constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th 
Congressional District.
  Jenny's work in constituent services has been characterized by 
efficiency and empathy. The foundation of Jenny's success as manager of 
the Altoona district office is her heartfelt desire to help people. 
When it comes to resolving an issue for a constituent, Jenny is never 
confined by space or by the time that is needed.
  Wherever she might be--during or outside the boundaries of a 
traditional workday--Jenny makes every effort to respond to constituent 
casework inquiries, not only because it is the professional thing to 
do, but because Jenny genuinely cares.
  As a builder of relationships throughout the 13th Congressional 
District, Jenny has achieved unparalleled success while earning the 
admiration of her constituents.
  I thank Jenny Mearkle. I thank her for her distinguished legacy of 
dedicated service to the constituents of Pennsylvania's 13th 
Congressional District, and I wish her much happiness in all the years 
to come.


                         Recognizing Sam Worley

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sam 
Worley as the recipient of the Franklin County Conservation District's 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Sam, who will be celebrating his 105th birthday on June 13, is a 
proud U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Notably, he has 
lived a life in distinguished service to his community and to his 
country.
  The award presented to Sam by the Franklin County Conservation 
District pays tribute to his decades of leadership and enduring impact 
on the conservation of natural resources in Franklin County.
  Sam accepted the appointment as the director with the Franklin County 
Conservation District in 1992. Now, more than three decades later, Sam 
continues to serve the district in his role as associate director.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sam on this prestigious award. He truly 
embodies what it means to a member of the Greatest Generation.


                        Recognizing Cheryl Johns

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a 
dedicated public servant, Cheryl Johns, who is retiring as the 
executive director of the Altoona Housing Authority with over 26 years 
of service.
  Cheryl is admired and respected for her commitment to maintaining the 
highest standard of administrative excellence. She has been a trusted 
and dependable public servant. She works for families and individuals 
who seek affordable and reliable housing in the city of Altoona.
  As a housing administrator for the last 33 years, Cheryl has created 
a legacy of service based on the belief that a healthy and productive 
society is founded on safe and stable housing.
  On behalf of the constituents throughout Altoona and the entire 13th 
Congressional District, I personally thank Cheryl Johns for her 
commitment to her profession and extend best wishes for a wonderful 
retirement.


   Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, known in 
Pennsylvania as SAMA.
  Incorporated in 1975, SAMA opened its first gallery in June 1976 in 
Altoona. Galleries were subsequently opened in Johnstown, Ligonier, and 
Bedford.
  Today, SAMA successfully operates the Nation's longest-running museum 
satellite program. The museum maintains a permanent collection of more 
than 7,500 works.
  SAMA is a dynamic cultural leader, enriching lives through 
exhibitions and programs that advance the appreciation of art. The 
museum itself serves as a vibrant hub of education and community 
engagement.
  As the celebration of SAMA's golden anniversary continues throughout 
this

[[Page H3914]]

year, I personally express my gratitude to the museum's president, 
Barry Newborn; to the vice president, Ehrin Ward; the board of 
trustees; and the entire staff of SAMA for their commitment to sharing 
the absolute beauty of art.

                          ____________________